No trades, but a move that may mean just as much to the future of the Brewers...Mat Gamel is playing RF for the Sounds tonight.

Hart and Fielder will still be moved, probably before next Opening Day, and probably for young pitching. Someone will have to play 1B and RF, and in-house, the two most obvious guesses are Gamel and Lawrie.

The Rambling son is off with his grandma and grandpa, so I am off to take a nap. Unless something gets announced late, the only quality SP that changed teams in the last week or two that still has plenty of team control was Daniel Hudson, from the White Sox to the D'Backs.

Hopefully, this offseason, someone will find it in their hearts to deal such a commodity to the Crew.

This morning I heard the Rambling wife talking to her mom on the phone, and she informed me they were on the road, as they are taking the Rambling son for a week. I was still resting, but got up and showered, came out, looked at the clock...it was 9:05. I had assumed it was 10 or 10:30.

I suppose if I had been born into a monarchy...a practice the modern world all but disbanded a century or two ago, I might try to justify my existence with delusional claims of grandiose as well.

Chuck, you cheated on your beautiful young bride with an old hag, and you continue to take private jets everywhere you go. The only thing any of us can learn from you is a subtle reminder that dental hygiene is important.

A Princeton student, who is infinitely cool despite the fact he is attending a stuck-up private school, which chooses to accept grant money from the US government, from the taxpayers of course, despite having an endowment fund large enough to purchase a majority of Europe, writes a mathematical equation to answer the decades old question of "is he spongeworthy?"

So the future of General Motors (and the $50 billion taxpayer investment in it) now depends on a vehicle that costs $41,000 but offers the performance and interior space of a $15,000 economy car. The company is moving forward on a second generation of Volts aimed at eliminating the initial model’s considerable shortcomings. (In truth, the first-generation Volt was as good as written off inside G.M., which decided to cut its 2011 production volume to a mere 10,000 units rather than the initial plan for 60,000.) Yet G.M. seemingly has no plan for turning its low-volume “eco-flagship” into a mass-market icon like the Prius.

Quantifying just how much taxpayer money will have been wasted on the hastily developed Volt is no easy feat. Start with the $50 billion bailout (without which none of this would have been necessary), add $240 million in Energy Department grants doled out to G.M. last summer, $150 million in federal money to the Volt’s Korean battery supplier, up to $1.5 billion in tax breaks for purchasers and other consumer incentives, and some significant portion of the $14 billion loan G.M. got in 2008 for “retooling” its plants, and you’ve got some idea of how much taxpayer cash is built into every Volt.--Wall Street Journal

Who could have seen trouble coming. I expected the government to do an outstanding job running a private company...after all, the government itself is swimming along efficiently, with no debt, low taxes...right?

Al, just heard Bill on the Brewer broadcast praise Tim O'Driscoll, the official scorer at Miller Park. How much worse can Schroeder get? Keep up the good work.

Tom

They figure since he's 100, he must not suck. That error on Lee was brutal. It's like they have no understanding of the game at all. An error is basically a misplay of a routine play. We're seeing great plays made, and then a hurried wide throw called errors.

EDIT: The rulebook actually says: if the fielder can make a play with "ordinary effort." I don't know what's so difficult about that.

Melvin said the Brewers made a very serious offer to the Blue Jays in December for ace right-hander Roy Halladay, who had no-trade rights and preferred a club that spends Spring Training in Florida. The Phillies, his eventual destination, train in Clearwater, near Halladay's home.

"We made as good an offer as anybody. He wouldn't come," Melvin said. "We went out on a limb and offered pretty good players for Roy Halladay. It came down to [the fact] that he had his choice of where he wanted to go. Philly had the advantage on him. So the talent pool that we get to pick from sometimes is smaller than other teams."

I think we've heard rumors of this before, but Doug confirms. That would have been a huge move.

The problem is, everything is a disaster and a tragedy, so the old media is eventually like the boy who cried wolf. I'm sure the oil spill has done damage, and will do so in the future.

I'm also all but positive that the amount has been, and will be exaggerated, because that's what they do. Let's not forget, they ignored Johnny Edwards flaunting his docu-slut while Liz got chemo treatment, but suggested McCain was seeing some woman who flew on the same plane a couple times.

If there's a misrepresentation to be made, it'll be done, and it will lean extremely far to the left.

Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt is an impressive group...of course, so was Cliff Lee, who the Phillies dealt and have seemingly been trying to replace him since a minute later.

It makes their bullpen better to, as it minimizes how much their middle men will have to pitch, and it makes their offense better, to casuals at least, because when they win 5-1, many will say "Wow, Howard hit a HR!" instead of "Werth struck out in the 9th, when they were down 7-5."

I did not think anyone would get over 45% versus Feingold. While I could say this is an answer to prayers, you must remember that the election is months away, and that while the anti-incumbent and anti-tax/spend sentiments are very real, we might be seeing early results of the fact Ron Johnson is advertising heavily, and Russ is not (at least in the Wausau market).

Looking to add bullpen help in lieu of finding a starter, the Twins are in deep discussions with the Nationals, who are requiring a high-level prospect in return, sources with knowledge of the discussions have told CBSSports.com. The high-level prospect currently at the top of Washington's wish list from the Twins is catcher Wilson Ramos, sources say. One sign of how serious the Twins-Nationals talks have become: Ramos was a late scratch from Triple-A Rochester's lineup tonight, according to LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.--CBS

Ramos for Capps? Seriously?

Capps was a non-tender after '09, and while a quality arm, I'm not sure he's much better than Todd Coffey.

EDIT: OK, I compared, and yes, Capps is better, though he allows more HR's. But he's not much better, and the idea of Ramos being dealt for a reliever who will probably give the Twins two dozen innings the rest of the year astounds me.

So, no doubt Capps is better, but over 70 innings, he's worth about 4.5 runs. Todd would be a poor man's version and the idea of the Twins giving up one of the best catching prospects in the game for him is stunning.

I agree, heck, he was effective for much of '08. I think it's a concentration thing, as he's a lefty who throws 92-94 and has a plus breaking ball...that alone should make him a decent bottom of the rotation SP.

Multiple clubs have asked Milwaukee about veteran outfielder Jim Edmonds, but Edmonds has told the Brewers he does not want to go anywhere. He particularly would make sense for San Francisco, which is looking for an outfielder who can improve the offense.--CBS

I can't imagine the Crew dealing him without him giving his OK, as that's just not the way Doug operates.

After all the talk about possibly moving Prince Fielder or Corey Hart, or even a couple of relievers or starting pitcher Dave Bush, the Milwaukee Brewers are closed for business, reports ESPN Insider's Keith Law.

"They have decided they're close enough to contention that they're not selling, so Hart and Fielder are off the market," Law said, citing an executive from a rival club that was interested in a Brewers player.

We have to wonder, now, if the Brewers might look to add a piece to the puzzle, such as a starting pitcher. Perhaps Ted Lilly, Jake Westbrook or Edwin Jackson, with Jackson being a potential multi-year addition.

Jackson's salary might be prohibitive, however, but stay tuned, as the Brewers might be in the market for help over the final hours leading up to the trade deadline.--ESPN

If Keith Law told me I needed to lose a few pounds, I'd get a second opinion, so to say he's unreliable is an understatement. I have been telling anyone who will listen

{thanks Rambling dog}

that I think Doug would love to add a SP who is under team control or signed to a decent deal through '11 or '12. I've mentioned Ricky Nolasco and Matt Garza (pre no-hitter) as possibilities. The Crew does not have much payroll on the books for next season, especially when it seems quite possible Prince and/or Corey will be dealt this offseason.

I have no clue what is being said, but considering they have made offers, supposedly, to the White Sox and Giants and been turned down cold, I think it's safe to say Doug feels the market will be better in the offseason, when a team might consider dealing a rotation member, unlike now. Edmonds, Bush, and so on is not going to net anything more than a low level prospect, and to be honest, can probably easily be dealt in August.

If there are two Americas, John Edwards would not have any doubt which one he was in at the Clinton wedding.

This is, of course, assuming the man who was cheating on his cancer-stricken wife with some filmmaker bimbo who he impregnated he'd hired to document his eventual rise to President of the United States, while the old media ignored it was invited...which I am sure he's not.

I'm not saying Chelsea should not have a $2M wedding. I am saying it's an incredible waste, and that a small get together and a large donation to charity would be a far better way to spend it, but that's their right.

The Orioles hire Buck Showalter, where I assume he'll be disliked strongly like he was in NY, TEX, and ARI.

If you wonder why, watch his spots on ESPN, where he talks about very anal, minor things and acts like they are the be all end all. I stopped paying attention when he started talking about the 1B playing on the OF grass...I've never seen a 1B play that deep in my life, and the pop-up he showed dropping down the RF line would be unreachable for Prince and 80% of 1B even if they played as hellishly deep as Buck said they should.

Imagine listening to that for 7-8 months, and not wanting him to go elsewhere at the end of the season.

I just said to myself last night, if Podsednik has value, Inglett does too, as he can play 2B and has better career numbers (though Scott does run fast, which has a tad of value, and far more mythical value as well, though his SB percentage is not high enough to make that worth a thing).

TEX has picked up Cantu, though he is still playing, so it is not official. Jorge and Chris Davis will platoon, I would imagine.

The Rambling son and I visited the dollar store this evening to buy some snacks and desserts fiber laden healthy goodies.

As we walked out of the aisle, I noticed that Twizzlers were proudly being promoted as "a low fat food." Which explains why all these extremely thin people are always cramming handfuls of licorice into their mouths, while I eat carrots, apples, and cabbage, yet still can't pick something off the floor without making a loud moaning sound.

Soccer moms are going to tea parties and shaking their heads at the $1T "stimulus" package that did not work. If that's the best Obama can do, maybe he needs a new frat boy to write speeches that appeal to us mere commoners.

Am I the only who has noticed a 750 OPS for a LF is well below average? His steals re meaningless because he gets caught so often. He can run them down, but his arm is weak. I'm not sure what he brings to the table other than as OF depth, in which case, he's a fine pickup.

FYI, you can look up the exact numbers here, but CZ is due about $18M the next two years, and has a player option for about $19M in '13.

I'll respond with my feelings tomorrow.

(continued)

The question I have is whether Carlos Z is healthy or not. Take one look at his numbers, and you see a significant decline this season...this is usually due to injury. It also would make sense that CZ would be a bit testy if he was in pain with every pitch.

Where do I stand? If I could get a physical first and be on the hook for $4M per season, I'd seriously consider it. His upside is far greater than a FA SP you could sign for $4M per. Does his goofy behavior bother me? Yes, but I always say, "I'd much rather have to settle a guy down than motivate him." No one ever questions his desire, just his maturity.

As for the survey, the Cubs really have no reason to consider option #3, they'd still be on the hook for $50M. $4M a year can get you a couple good players, especially relievers, or role players, or a vet coming off a down campaign.

Per what Ramblings' readers usually think, 80% would take him at a substantial discount...we're small market fans, and understand financial limitations.

EDIT 1: Fangraphs shows CZ's velocity has declined by about 1.5-2 mph on his fastball and slider, and that he has been throwing his split a lot more the past couple years. Dead arm, pitching through pain/injury, getting older, or a combo platter of all the above?

The AFL is a training ground of sorts, so it seems likely Guerrero is held in high esteem by the Brewers as a future coach or manager. I am pretty sure he speaks Spanish fluently, and is a very young man, early 30's perhaps.

There are rumblings of a dozen or so managerial openings this offseason, so Simmons and Mattingly were probably put forth as a way to get their names out there.

EDIT: Kevin e-mails to tell us Mike is 42...still a young man, as he's about my age.:)

I'd rather have good defenders than bad, but in the big scheme of things, offense, defense, and pitching...defense is at best 5-10% of the game. The difference between excellent and crappy is about 20 runs a year....downright yawn inducing.

No idea if TEX is a contender for Prince or not, but they do have young pitching. Two guys rated in the top 50 prospects per BA, and several other young arms. If they'd deal for Prince, they'd have little use for Chris Davis, a young power-laden 1B who K's a lot but also has prodigious power.

Of course, being way ahead in the division, maybe they would rather pick up another SP for the playoffs...if they do have the money to spend.

Strange bedfellows indeed...tea party conservatives and Barney Frank support rewriting of UIGEA, also bill that would effectively regulate online poker (and thus rid any ambiguity about the legality of such).

The Rangers are known to have a very good farm system, and if memory serves, they have several AA/AAA pitching prospects. The Angels supposedly did not have enough for Prince before they acquired Haren, so unless a third team is involved, I doubt it.

I shudder to think what kind of numbers Prince would put up in Arlington, a noted bandbox.

EDIT: Should mention that TEX does have a surplus of SP's, including Scott Feldman, who had a fine '09 and is signed to a friendly contract if he remains an effective SP.

EDIT 3: Some folks think the Brewers may be willing to pay Fielder's $4M he's owed the rest of this season if it nets them top pitching prospects. That would allow TEX to add Prince and not add payroll for '10.

I have to think this is in good part from reporting fiction as fact. If I had the choice between CNN and The Cartoon Network to get my news, I'd say to myself, well, at least TOON doesn't actually expect me to believe this crap.

Meanwhile, the real story here...somewhere, human beings watch Olbermann. About as many as a test pattern, but still.

No doubt it's an error in Milwaukee, though not most places. The Brewers will never have a Gold Glove winner with that idiot scoring. To be honest, the fact their UZR/150 is only -5...with a "normal" scorer, they are probably near breakeven.

Gleeman led me to this chart the other day, and I find it very interesting...if you use ultimate zone rating (which while not perfect, is probably the best defensive metric), every single team in MLB is between -10 and +10.2 runs over the course of 150 games (UZR/150).

Makes you wonder just how important defense is, as the difference between the best and worst team, in theory, is 20 runs a year. Meanwhile, the difference in offense is about 300 runs scored...15 times more.

Also, which team is last in MLB in runs scored? The Mariners, who have scored less than every single NL club, despite having the DH. Build a team with defense? Lotsa luck with that.

These medications are available usually in plastic bottles of 100 tablets for much less than the same prescription medication at the pharmacy (some come in bottles of 30 tablets).

A doctor and aquarium hobbyist writing about fish meds for human use. He also says that drug companies are forced to put expiration dates on due to legalities, and that most drugs are 90% potent up to a decade after their expiration. I know the military recently chose to ignore expiration dates and not buy a ton of vaccines because their testing found them to still be near perfect.

The FDA's role seems to be little more than as a huge bureaucracy that overreacts to minor issues by throwing out tons of product which has not been proven to be bad. The time they recalled tomatoes when the peppers were bad is the stuff legends are made of.

Gamel, he's swinging the bat very well. Questionable defensively, some plays out there, I just haven't seen the improvement that I like to see from at least two years ago. He's started to swing the bat better, but defensively, you gotta catch and throw it, too...You can tell, you can show, you can teach, but at some point the player himself has to take the bull by the horns and let's go about our business. If you have a problem throwing, which he has a problem throwing, he gets out on the side and flat and throw a lot of balls, say, to first base it'll be on the home plate side of first. Last night he threw a ball to second, he threw it on the first-base side of second, so everything he's throwing is going to, if you're looking at the base he's throwing to, to the right. So: make an adjustment. That's the difficult part. You're seeing guys not making the adjustment after, not a week or two, but two or three years. I've had him since '08, and it's just, you gotta make improvements at some point, 'cause in the big leagues, it's very difficult, unless you're hitting .350, to put you out there and make your errors and other plays that you don't make."

...looks more like 1B or LF/RF with every passing day. Of course, that's easier to imagine now that he has a 850 OPS in AAA rather than the 770ish one he had a week ago.

Last season, the Mariners were everyone's darling, despite having a team with no offense and a team that seemed more lucky than good.

A lesson to be learned? Building a team on defense is bound to lead to a lot of frustrating 3-2 losses. And when you win a lot more games than your run differential thinks you should, it is not a skill, it's luck, and it's unlikely to repeat itself.

This year? It takes them half-an-hour to have a 5 minute meeting, which the manager calls to yell at a player who forgot to back up a throw. That's a 5 second talk in the dugout. Take a pill, Don.

Attention, Fukudome shoppers: Source says #Cubs would pay part of $4M-plus left this year and "quite a bit" of $13.5M salary next year--Rosenthal

I'd take him for $4-5M per. Used the right way and rested regularly, he's a league average OF. Like many others, however, he is far better versus the opposite handed pitcher, and he tires, as is common for players from the far East, as their schedule resembles our NBA/NHL schedules (which is also why the Japanese practice so much, they don't play anywhere near 162 games).

Put him and Jeff Francouer in a RF platoon, and they'll be excellent both offensively and defensively, and Fukudome can play some CF as well. But, as everyday guys playing 150 games, both are overmatched.

Adam goes over the Prince scenario, and Doug sums it up with one phrase..."They don't want to give you anyone from the major league club."

Obviously, teams are more willing to deal a young pitcher if they think they can sign a free agent or whatever in the offseason. As Doug has often said, it's easier to do a deal for a position player in the offseason, while teams sometimes overpay for pitching at the deadline. Thus far, he's been proven correct.

Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that the Tigers have "great interest" in Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn.

With Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen sidelined, this makes all sorts of sense. Detroit desperately needs the offense Dunn provides if they hope to stay in a three-team race for the AL Central. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski, however, told MLB.com that he won't trade top prospects for rentals. The Nats reportedly are asking for the moon in Dunn talks, so that would seem to rule out the Tigers for now.--Rotoworld

White Sox GM Ken Williams is said to be confident about landing either Prince Fielder or Adam Dunn. Williams continues to talk to the Brewers about Fielder but there doesn't seem to be a match as they seek pitching in return. Meanwhile, the Nats have told everyone that they'll need to be overwhelmed by an offer to move Dunn. If the White Sox strike out on the two big-time left-handed sluggers, they're unlikely to reach for a player such as Russell Branyan or Brad Hawpe. Instead, they'll look to go small and try to improve their bullpen and bench.--MLBTR recapping Rosenthal

1. Where is the White Sox going to get the pitching from? Bring in a 3rd team?

2. It's amazing how much different the Brewers could look a week from today.

3. I don't understand why we're not hearing more about Bush in a package or by himself. He's better than almost every 5th SP in baseball, so he'd be an upgrade to almost everyone.

The umpiring crew has to do a better job letting the press box know if that run scored or not. It was the end of the inning, so they could have gone over to the dugout and called with no delay in the action.

The fans do deserve to know what the score is, never mind the fact we still do not know.

The big date is less than two weeks away: On July 31, the 30-year-old Chelsea and her 32-year-old fiance, Marc Mezvinsky, will wed. Reporters are pretty sure it will be in Rhinebeck, N.Y., 90 miles up the Hudson River from New York City, and that the bride will wear Oscar de la Renta. But all that the 400 invited guests know is that the nuptials will be in the vicinity of the Big Apple.

“The invitations are save-the-date invitations, with just the date and no information about where it’s going to be held,” New York Times White House correspondent Sheryl Gay Stolberg told TODAY’s Ann Curry Monday in New York. “People were told, ‘Get yourself within New York City driving distance, and we’ll give you the details with a week to go.’

I realize most of these people do not need to worry about being home for the babysitter or going to work the next day, but not telling guests where the event is just seems incredibly rude.

Not to mention that the extra driving adds to the carbon footprint of the entire event, which as we all know, is what's really important.

A rundown of the Bucks' roster, they have only two players capable of running the point, so one more will be added. Looks like Tiny Gallon will not make the team, hopefully, he'll head to Europe and the Bucks will retain his rights.

LaTroy looks like he's healthy and will be back Monday. He's now pitched back-to-back days and a couple innings. It would be very nice if Doug was able to move a RH reliever between now and then, as it is unlikely CV, Coffey, or Riske will return in 2011, due to cost alone.

"Now, it's important to note that the bill I signed will not add to our deficit. It is fully paid for, and so it is fiscally responsible," Obama said.

So eight months ago, he said paying for the benefits was the right thing to do, but now he sees no need to do so.--CBS news

I'm telling you, a spiral notebook and a "czar" in charge of trying to remember what promise they are breaking would be a welcome addition. When you struggle to tax and spend wildly, I sure hope nothing important comes up.

Somebody needs to throw him in the bullpen and let him be a cheap middle man for the next few years. He also has a reverse split which tells me he might just need an adjustment of some kind with his approach versus RH hitters.

I'm not sure if they put Tony W in charge of headlines or if this is just proof of the decline in old media. Seriously, anyone with an ounce of common sense has realized 3M was very unlikely, if not impossible, since April or May. I believe I said a good over/under for 2010 would be 2.75M, maybe 2.8M before the season even began.

Palin continues to do nothing except get people through primaries, and more importantly, say things that people remember...that "How's that hopey changey stuff working out for you?" is the most memorable quote to come out of politics since Reagan's "There you go again" three decades ago. I see it at least once a week on bumper stickers. The Harvard elitists don't get it...and they never will.

I have to say I agree 100% with Simon...she could win the nomination and the presidency. I don't know if she will win, but she could. Trust me, the fact that she will perform poorly in the Northeast and California appeals to many, many voters in "flyover country" (in addition to myself), which the media ignores until they remember every four years that, darn it, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas have electoral votes too.

The White Sox would like Prince Fielder; a lot of teams would like Prince Fielder. But the problem for the White Sox is that rival evaluators don't see a lot of depth in the Chicago farm system. So as the White Sox pursue a possible deal for Fielder, the best young pitcher they can offer -- beyond John Danks -- is Dan Hudson, who is not regarded as a can't-miss, front-of-the-rotation type of guy.

What does that mean? That they probably can't structure an acceptable deal for Fielder unless they put Beckham into an offer -- and it makes no sense for them to do that. So they probably will have a very hard time structuring a suitable offer for the slugger.

Separately: A whole lot of teams are expressing interest in Corey Hart.

The White Sox are looking for a bat, writes Mark Gonzales. The White Sox have offered their whole farm system for the Nationals to pick over, without success, writes Joe Cowley.--Olney

The White Sox can put together a decent offer if they offer their top prospects, but I don't know if that would appeal to the Crew. If a third team would be brought in, maybe a CF and a C, for example, could be swapped for a AA and AAA pitcher that are considered "close" to being ready for the show.

As I have pointed out many times, no one can expect a contender to give up a starting pitcher or position player...that's exactly what Doug has correctly said time and time again as well.

Hopefully, the multiple offers on Hart are serious and will help bring the bidding higher. Another mention of Jeff Francouer being readily available, I for one would love to see Inglett and Francouer split time in RF, with the Mets paying most of Jeff's salary, it goes without saying. I know many would want nothing to do with JF, but let's not forget, Dave Ortiz was once thought to offer nothing beyond the occasional HR as well. Francouer is a fine defender as well, so he has value even if he isn't hitting.

I can't believe the operators of cattle lots don't spray their cattle down during hot weather...I mean, it's not like they're spread out, those lots are relatively small and have access to water, right?

The names of first baseman Prince Fielder and rightfielder Corey Hart continued to grind through the national rumor mill as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Yet, no deal appeared to be on the table for either player.

The Chicago White Sox continue to be the team most associated with a pursuit of Fielder, though it remained questionable whether they could put together the necessary package to tempt the Brewers to do a deal.

The Brewers have been scouting the White Sox in the event something comes together. They probably would want young right-hander Daniel Hudson and either infielder Gordon Beckham or infielder Dayan Viciedo in any deal, and Chicago is reluctant to deal Hudson without getting a pitcher back.

Hart's name continues to circulate among the teams looking for an outfield bat, including San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The Brewers also have been scouting the Seattle Mariners, making you wonder if general manager Doug Melvin has something cooking with former co-worker Jack Zduriencik, the Mariners' GM.--JS

Mat Gamel has had a good week, and has his OPS back up near the 800 mark. His walks, 23 in 160ish AB's, are excellent. His power numbers are down, but that could be related to his injury recovery as well. He should be dominating AAA, and has been of late.

Buster Olney reports TB is in the race to get Werth. He likely has far more appeal than Hart to the Rays, not only is he better, but he's a free agent after this year...not on the hook for $7-8M next year.

A poster at Brewerfan.net asks if Weeks might break the record for RBI's by a lead-off man.

I had no idea he was on pace to do so (Soriano had 99 one year, I guess), but while the pitchers fine hitting is a major reason, another is how fast Gomez and Escobar are, as I'm sure they score at an incredible pace compared to normal bottom of the order guys.

I recall a while back, some casual blogger said they would prefer Frank Catalanotto (he had just been waived by the Mets) to Jim Edmonds. While that was an ignorant comment for many reasons (Frank C can't play CF, for example, and at the stage we saw him last year, had a fraction of the power he once did, and Edmonds still possesses), it did remind me of something...it's simply astounding how little the average fan knows about the game.

The only reason I bring this up is I got another e-mail today asking for some good Brewers' blogs to read because I don't write enough, and I told him, there are many good ones out there, I just can't pick through the mindless stuff like the above.

It's just astounding that people who like to think they are smart baseball people get all stupid as soon as some guy comes along who has a nickname and a unique delivery. Disco Hayes can't even get AAA hitters out, and barely strikes out a soul, so his chances for success are minimal, to say the least. And, by the way, he's 27, so he's not going to get better.

As always, the ridiculous gets the press, but I've often thought most people have way too much house...if I were single, I often think of the one bedroom studio apartments in downtown Eau Claire, one large family room with a bedroom loft off to one side, I believe they were called The Barstow Apts.

The JS reports the Bucks will sign Keyon Dooling later today to back up Jennings at the point. Dooling has the size to play shooting guard as well, and is a 35% 3 point shooter in his career.

Rumors have it the Bucks have spoken to Travis Diener and Luther Head, and both of them would be nice #3 PG's. Skiles also mentioned Royal Ivey as a possible returnee in 2010-11 should Ridnour sign elsewhere, which was a given.

This is exactly what economists have been saying, and the far left dismissing for years. The government sucks at creating jobs, and simply cannot create wealth...but Northeastern private school academics have long said they could. This is so far removed from the real world...but, the truth hurts.

How will Larry Sanders' game fit in with Milwaukee's existing parts? His sound face-up 18-footer will help a Bucks offense that was choked for open space in the half court. He also gives Brandon Jennings another dependable partner on the pick-and-roll and wins almost every race to the rim in transition. A Sanders-Andrew Bogut tandem could eventually constitute the best defensive frontcourt in the league. Milwaukee is unlikely to reach the highest echelon in the East with its firepower, but by blanketing the paint with two capable pick-and-roll defenders who can block shots and clean the glass, the Bucks have the makings of a team that could post a stingy defensive efficiency rating in the high 90s.--ESPN.com

Hearing nothing but good things about Sanders from scouts and those who saw him play in Vegas.

There's a talent evaluator out there that missed his calling as a village idiot. There are dozens of relievers that could be had, and most would cost little. The majority are probably generic middle relief guys, but Riske, Coffey, and CV are probably all available for the right price and none are "terrible"...just solid, unspectacular guys who usually get the job done, though not at a closer's level.

I have to agree with Gleeman, I think Macha is just sticking up for his players. Other than Prince getting hit twice in the ATL series, and Braun being thrown at last year by Karstens, the vast majority of the HBP's is directly related to Weeks and Fielder standing an inch from the plate and not moving an iota when the ball is inside.

I'm not complaining either, because just like a walk, a HBP adds a baserunner, and baserunners equal runs. The risk of injury is not very high unless hit in the head or the hand either. Ken has a good point about MLB needing to do a better job enforcing and punishing, but note they haven't even got back to him about his complaint. MLB seems to be following its umpire doctrine...if they ignore it, maybe it will go away.

Teams in need of starting pitching might want to consider Brewers righty Dave Bush, who has produced six straight quality starts and 12 of 18 overall -- a higher percentage than the Brewers’ ace, Yovani Gallardo. Bush, earning $4.215 million, is a free agent after this season, but likely will be unranked, yielding no draft-pick compensation.--Rosenthal

Tricky stat ujsing, as Yo's pitch count has limited him to 5 or 5+ a few times, but I've been saying for a couple weeks Bush might be the best SP on the market other than Lee...and no one else has been moved to make me fee otherwise.

The Padres are being linked heavily to Hart today, but one of the names mentioned, Wade Leblanc, is a member of their rotation, and I can't see a contender giving up a member of the rotation...stop me if you've heard this before.

According to John Dewan, Yunel Escobar, just acquired by the Jays in a trade for Alex Gonzalez, is the All-Star defensive shortstop. His 21 runs saved is the most in baseball at any position.--Bill Chuck

Without a day off upcoming, I don't think you'll see a quick hook today. This might be a game we see a "punt" of sorts, unless Manny just embarrasses himself more than Manny does every time he goes out there with no clue.

The irony? Many could not figure out why the Brewers did not hand Gwynn a starting CF job, others said he was just a AAA player. As usual, the truth lies somewhere between, I said he'd likely have a nice career as a platoon player/reserve. He's a good defender too, but surely not in Gomez's league (though UZR has Gwynn slightly higher, making you wonder about UZR, once again).

The key here is simple...Tony is 27, while Carlos is 24. I'm biased, because it's so much fun watching Gomez play, but I still think he'll develop into a solid everyday player.

The Rambling brother e-mails to ask what the Braves are thinking, making Prince mad. Luckily for them, you don't get better at hitting a baseball just because you're upset, unlike say running downfield to cover a kickoff.

It reminds me a lot of a company I worked for in the past, poorly run from the top down, family members holding down key management positions, and a seeming overall mood of "unawareness" from top to bottom. Every time I had a visitor from corporate, they'd tell me the merch should be "pulled forward" better, which depending on the company, might be called "fronting" or "facing" or "recovery."

I called it "a waste of time" and never worried about it. I always concerned myself with sales, profit, and customer service...since I couldn't figure out which area was helped by pulling stuff forward, I ignored it.

Substitute winning for sales and profit, and throwing at guys for "fronting," and there's how I feel. Until they start keeping track of HBP's in the standings, I'll let ATL worry about mythical morale victories.

That's as good a reason as any to assume he'll finish the year in MIL. We've heard a lot more about Hart, but more teams need a LF/RF than need a 1B, Corey's RH, and Corey is far cheaper, both now and later.

The Braves like Cody Ross as well but their opinions on Corey Hart are mixed. Some Atlanta officials are rather fond of Hart, but others see him as a slightly better version of Jeff Francoeur. If Matt Diaz hits well and Nate McLouth comes back strong, they may not even need the Brewers outfielder. If their guy ultimately is Hart though, it'll be at their price.--MLBTR, summing up Rosenthal

One thought that just crossed my mind...if the Crew ever does deal Hart, and does not pick up a replacement in the swap, Jeff Francouer is available for a song from NYM, one writer argued he should be released earlier this week. He "peaked" at 20-21, and has been an enigma the past few years. He's also a solid defender with an outstanding arm, which makes up for a bit of his crappy offense. Pairing him up with Joe Inglett in some sort of "soft platoon" would be mildly effective with some upside, as Frenchy has far better numbers versus southpaws. Jeff just has the look of a guy who could be far more effective when "set up to succeed" like John Lowenstein and role players such as that of the past.

While guys like Fielder and Braun make big money because they hit most all the time, you can get 85-90% of their production by playing off the strengths of lesser players, for 10-20% of the cost.

And, admittedly, the idea of having an OF with Gomez and Francouer in it would sure make the opposition hesitate before taking an extra base.

Much of Gomez's value on defense can be summed up by the fact a pretty fast runner did not try to score from 3B, with two outs after the catch, on a medium deep fly ball to RCF. The run eventually scored anyway, but sheer intimidation kept the runner from attempting to score, despite the fact it was a good risk to take, based on the situation.

For years growing up, I could never figure out why Dwight Evans was always considered a defensive whiz, though he rarely lead the league in assists. Just like with RBI's, assists are a "counting stat"...they depend on opportunity, far moreso than actual skill.

The Braves nearly had an ugly error in the first inning on Ryan Braun's pop-up to shallow left field. As leftfielder Matt Diaz, centerfielder Melky Cabrera and shortstop Alex Gonzalez converged on the ball, Diaz called the others off, but he was hesitant to go full speed to get under the ball, fearing one of the other two didn't hear his call. As the ball came down, Diaz stuck his arm out and barely made the catch.--Tony W

I often wonder if he even watches the game. The problem with this recap is it leaves out the fact there was a runner on 1B. Even if the ball falls, it is extremely likely the ball bounces right up to Diaz, or maybe even Cabrera, and it's an easy force out at 2B.

Doug Davis back to the DL, this time with elbow tendinitis, Lo Cain up to be a PR/PH for the most part, I assume.

The irony here is part of the reason Davis was brought in is his stellar numbers as an innings eater, and he has been injured much of the year. Of course, no one could have seen the issue with the lining of his heart, and let's face it, pitchers have arm woes. Riske was solid and injury free for ages, and then got hurt. That's what happens.

Another name that might be available you might see the Crew inquire on...Dave Aardsma, who has been linked to MIL in the past, is a big hard throwing RH like Doug covets, and is having a down year, so he won't cost much to pick up.

How bad a job does Jon Heyman do? Can you name 7 pitchers on the trade market that are more attractive than Dave Bush?

Heyman names 22, though since Bush is not a client of Scott Boras, I'm not certain if he's heard of him.

I wonder if under "occupation" on his tax form, Heyman truthfully says "shill for Scott Boras."

One name on there that stood out to me is Ricky Nolasco, who would take a package of prospects to get from the Marlins, but he is a younger, solid SP who is poised to breakout. I would not deal Lawrie, but could be convinced to part with 2-3 others for Nolasco and younger piece.

Ricky could step right into the #2 spot and also allow the Crew to sell Hart and Fielder for the best package, and not worry about making sure they get pitching as part of it.

Gotta imagine as many teams are watching Dave Bush tonight as Corey Hart...not only do more teams need a SP rather than an OF, but Dave is a FA after this season, no commitment, other than ten starts the rest of the way.

A strange assortment, including one guy who was just released...how overrated can he be? ARod has been excellent for a decade and a half, he seems a strange fella to see on the list as well.

Me? I'd say Jeter by a landslide, but as usual, he's very good, but not the near mythical creature he's been built up to be. Cal Ripken Jr was overrated for decades, not because he was not an excellent offensive SS, which he was, but because he got credit for being a selfish oaf, playing every day and then sucking every September.

{Take a gander at that link. Not only was September his lowest OPS month, he also had more K's and more DP's in September than any other month. How many signs of a tired bat does one need?}

As I have often said, it's a shame he's remembered for that silly streak, as he was one of top SS's to ever play the game.

An interesting possibility among the starting pitchers that the Mets are considering: Brett Myers, who is having a good season for HOU.--Olney

I wanted the Brewers to sign Myers in the offseason, just because he was cheaper and had bullpen experience in case he was the 6th starter. Sometimes, the bargain bin guys, especially those that are in the bargain bin because their performance suffered due to injury, end up being solid, and low-risk pickups.

The Rambling dog had a rough night, having a pair of "accidents" downstairs, where he almost always goes to have such problems. As I told the Rambling son this morning, accidents happen, but when your canine is 14 and exhausted 24/7, a part of you seriously wonders if this is the beginning of the end when something like this happens.

We are thankful he does not seem to be in pain, and that while his behavior is cute in many ways (heck, who wouldn't want to sleep so soundly he has to be awakened with a belly rub, and follow that up with breakfast, using the bathroom, followed up with a nap of 2-3 hours), it's difficult to not recall the days when he would chew on a toy, chase the ball after he pushed it away with his front paws, and so on. As you would expect from a dog who had been at the shelter over a month, his tastes were simple (on his description sheet, it said his favorite toy was "ball"...they had tennis balls there, but he never had any preference, he'd happily chase after any round object that rolled or bounced. We got him one that made noise, and he seemed to prefer that one, but if someone grabbed another, or he had trouble finding that one, he didn't mind.

I was just thinking today, he used to always greet us at the top step, holding something in his mouth, proudly showing us how busy he'd been. It could be a ball, a rawhide, or a cereal bowl left in the living room the night before, didn't matter. Now, he often does not hear us arrive home, and if he does, he stretches and walks slowly over. I guess he figures he doesn't need to impress us any longer.

Hopefully, he just got a hold of something that didn't settle with his tummy. His brain may not be bigger than a pea, but he's always been a good friend.

The Brewers have two RH relievers...but somehow, I doubt if the Reds want Todd Coffey.:)

Carlos V might be a nice fit though, of course, not sure how Doug feels about helping Cincy. If the Crew could get the best deal from them, I think I'd do it, being 8.5 out in mid-July, but Doug may disagree.

What follows is pure speculation, and nothing more: As the Tampa Bay Rays consider ways to upgrade their lineup in the last 16 days before the trade deadline, maybe they should be the team that goes out on a limb and makes a deal for Prince Fielder, who would represent a dramatic change for their offense. The Rays could structure an offer around right-hander Wade Davis -- the kind of power pitcher that Milwaukee needs -- and could have Fielder for the 2011 season, as well, before he becomes a free agent.

The Rays would trot out a hell of a core in the middle of their lineup, as they make their push for the playoffs:

The person I worked with today said she and her hubby were watching The History Channel, and they were discussing that Lake Superior is so deep because of the enormous weight of the glaciers from millions of years ago...and that changes are still taking place in the Great Lakes that are related to the Ice Age.

And somehow, we are supposed to believe that a few engines has literally destroyed the entire planet.

Somehow injured my left heel despite not moving more than 10 consecutive feet at any point in past 6 months. No idea how.--Gleeman

I remember once my foot started to ache as I laid in bed. I got up about 5 to visit the bathroom, and it was sore, but not terrible. When I got up at 8 or 9, I could not put any weight on it at all, and my arch (I have high arches) was so swollen, my foot was about twice the normal size. I called the urgent care clinic, explained my ailment, and they told me to come right in. The doctor, a Asian-American "woman" who was about 4-8 and 95 pounds and looked 14, looked at my foot puzzledly for about 10 minutes, asked me about 7 times if I had bumped it on anything, and told me to stay off it as much as possible, while giving me steroids to take, why, I still don't know, I guess for the swelling.

By the end of the day, my foot felt "tired" more than sore, and in a couple days, it was back to normal, though the swelling took a while to go down 100% (as I found out when I broke my little toe...twice...swelling goes down slowly in the foot, it's a gravity thing). Never did figure out what happened, and knock on wood, it's never reoccurred.

The Rambling brother wonders how much Hart will help the Rays. I don't think anyone expects Corey to continue with a 900 OPS, especially having to face the Yankees and Red Sox often, but the Rays' DH position has been very weak, near the bottom of the AL in OPS.

.307/.383 is not tough to beat.

{Heck, Brewers' pitchers have a .253/.310 line thus far, Over the course of a season, the Rays' DH will only generate 22 more runs than the Brewers' pitching staff. It seems to me they need an upgrade, to say the least.}

And, it doesn't take much of an imagination for TB to think a couple well-timed HR's could mean the difference between finishing a game ahead of BOS or a game behind.

As I said to him, if I were TB, I'd go after another OF (or DH, with Corey playing RF) as well, and let Zobrist play 2B. Several above average bats will be available for a middling prospect, and without any long-term commitment. And don't think for a second BOS won't be adding a piece or three.

7/14/2010 10:27:00 AM

These are the good old days. Some folks are just too busy wishing the streets were paved with gold to enjoy the good times.

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